Latest news with #DavidYoskowitz
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials lock in nearly 7,000 acres of land for future generations: 'Adds a vital new link in the state's network of preserved natural spaces'
Chron, a division of the Houston Chronicle, reported that Texas is adding 6,900 acres of protected land to the state's network of preserved natural spaces. The establishment of this protected area "presents an opportunity for the conservation and management of an ecologically unique and important habitat," said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director David Yoskowitz. The TPWD announced that the newly-protected area is called the Trinity River Wildlife Management Area, and it is the first time in nearly 20 years that the state has added a significant mass of land to its protected area. These public lands, overseen by TPWD, have a goal to protect native wildlife and habitats and create outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors. The protected status was secured through a combination of public and private funding. In total, Texas has over 50 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) of over 700,000 acres that cover different ecological regions. Having protected land is important because these areas are critical to preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. Wildlife can thrive in their natural environments, which helps the species become better-established and can revive endangered populations. Protected lands also help communities by maintaining natural landscapes that become areas of recreation and cultural significance, ensuring the lands are conserved for future generations. Chron reports that the new WMA borders more than 11 miles of the Trinity River, bringing together a conservation corridor connecting more than 21,000 acres of protected land, including bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands. The protected area will help naturally absorb and slow floodwater, reducing erosion and improving water quality downstream, having a positive impact on human health. The land is also providing a natural, protected habitat for migratory birds, pollinators that are vital to the health of the region, and other wildlife. TPWD is set to begin restoration efforts of this newly protected area and plans to revitalize the wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland prairie. In addition to providing a secure habitat for wildlife, the plan is to provide Texans and visitors from other areas more opportunities to connect with nature. The area, according to the article, "adds a vital new link in the state's network of preserved natural spaces." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department adds first new Wildlife Management Area in 20 years
AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) — On Monday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced the creation of its first Wildlife Management Area in two decades. Camp V holds BBQ cook-off to celebrate East Texas Giving Day The new 6,900-acre property in Anderson County will be known as the Trinity River Wildlife Management Area. The Trinity River WMA is apart of the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project that protects over 38,000 acres of land in East Texas and this property adds 11.3 miles of Trinity River frontage. 'The establishment of the Trinity River WMA presents an opportunity for the conservation and management of an ecologically unique an important habitat,' TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said. 'Partnerships with organizations like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Knobloch Family Foundation make historic land purchases like this possible.' Finn's Friends celebrates opening of new headquarters in Longview The reason the Trinity River needs restoration is the lack of trees which allows flood water to pick up more sediment causing erosion, according to Richland Creek Wildlife Area Manager Matt Symmank. When a forested area has more trees, water flows downstream at a slower pace. This lets existing soil stay in place and natural sediment deposition can occur. This restoration of the Trinity River forest floodplain creates more natural and healthy ecosystems. The TWPD will also work with partners to fund habitat and prairie restoration that benefits many species including butterflies, shorebirds, waterfowl and more. The late Jackie Gragg enjoyed looking at dogwood trees near the Gus Engeling WMA and she wanted her land to be managed and protected in a similar way. Gragg's family, who owned the land that would become the Trinity River WMA, worked with TPWD staff to make her dream come alive. $10 million in Migratory Game Bird Stamp Funds were appropriated to TPWD for NWAs during the 88th legislation which helped protect the property. Nursing professor, fitness instructor creates workout program to help East Texans living with Parkinson's disease 'The 88th Legislature's appropriation of Migratory Game Bird Stamp Funds has allowed TPWD to conserve more lands and bring greater access to even more Texans,' TPWD Wildlife Division Director Alan Cain said. For more information about WMA's managed by TPWD, visit: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Land purchase for park in Lampasas County complete
Austin, Tx (FOX 44) – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has finalized the purchase of 1,100 acres in Lampasas and Burnet Counties, completing the second phase of an acquisition to create a new state park. The property is located across the river from Colorado Bend State Park and includes 1.5 miles of Yancey Creek, limestone bluffs and several natural springs. Combined with the recent acquisition of 2,020 acres in Burnet County, the new state park will comprise more than 3,000 acres. TPWD purchased the 1,100-acre property using a combination of a one-time funding appropriation and funds from sporting goods sales taxes. The new state park will be developed through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion fund overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023 to create a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing state parks. 'It's great to see phase two of the acquisition process come to fruition with the purchase of this 1,100-acre property,' said Jeff Hildebrand, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. 'This property, combined with the previously purchased 2,020-acre tract near the current Colorado Bend State Park, will offer an exciting new state park experience for Texans.' These two latest acquisitions, along with others made by TPWD in recent months, further the goal of expanding public access to Texas' natural spaces in more corners of the state. The completion of this two-phase purchase joined other notable purchases adding 3,703 acres at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area along with the purchase of the 500-acre Lake Colorado City State Park, among others. 'I'd like to thank our incredible team for their hard work in not only acquiring these properties, but also the recent additions at Enchanted Rock and the purchase of Lake Colorado City State Park,' TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said. 'The voters of Texas also deserve a huge thank you for saying 'yes' to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will make the development of this park possible.' When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property's feasibility as a state park. In this case, TPWD determined the property's outstanding natural and recreational features made this property an excellent candidate. 'I'm excited for the addition of the second piece of this property in what will become a new 3,000-plus acre Texas State Park,' said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. 'This acquisition will give visitors access to the Colorado River, a beautiful creek and the diverse landscapes that are featured across the property. We look forward to generations of Texans enjoying the scenic views of the unique post oak woodland and outdoor adventures awaiting on this property. ' The new property is approximately ten miles upstream from Lake Buchanan and its acquisition will create additional recreational opportunities, habitat protection and the conservation of natural springs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
